The 10 Best Free Things To Do in Miami

Before Wynwood made local art cool, Miamians would scoff at the notion of spending Saturday night trolling galleries. But on the second Saturday of each month, when the neighborhood’s studios, galleries and showrooms open their doors to the public, perusing paintings is infinitely more fun than popping bottles. Stretching into up-and-coming areas (read: not yet safe for pedestrians), Wynwood Second Saturday happenings converge between Miami Avenue and Northwest Second Avenue, where you’ll also find pop-up shops from local artisans and a battery of food trucks swarmed by crowds of all ages. Traffic moves at a snail’s pace but the range of street art is enough to keep you entertained.

Big Night in Little Haiti

Every third Friday of the month, the Rhythm Foundation puts on Big Night in Little Haiti (Fri 6-10pm; $5 donation requested) at the Little Haiti Cultural Center (212 NE 59 Terrace). Bringing together Haitian culture, art, music and food, the space features a marketplace and gallery exhibiting a range of photography and art collections. Musical acts rotate monthly but have included such bands as Klass Band Brotherhood and Zing Experience, popular for blending rock and reggae with traditional Haitian beats.

Between housing a renowned restaurant (Verde), offering some of the most unobstructed views of Watson Island and the MacArthur Bridge, and providing plenty of fun, artsy seating in the form of fiberglass and polypropylene swings, the Pérez Art Museum Miami makes a strong case for its outdoor offerings. If you’re ever inclined to explore its remarkable collection of modern art, however, the time to do it is on the second Saturday of each month (1–4pm). Not only is admission waived for this monthly event, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy hands-on activities, guided tours and guest performances, among other programming.

From exhibits that underscore responsibility and pet ownership, to hands-on activities that teach about sustainability, to an interactive bank used to educate children on financial literacy, the Miami Children’s Museum (980 MacArthur Causeway, 305-373-5437) is brimming with fun—and educational—experiences. Browse them free every third Friday of the month (3–9pm), when Target picks up the tab for admission. The museum’s art studio is also open during Target Fridays, giving kids the opportunity to explore different media through frequently changing programming in the arts.

There’s plenty of artistic ground to cover in Wynwood, so seeing it on foot may take longer than you’ve got on a weekend afternoon. To make the most of your time (and actually learn something about what it is you’re looking at), opt for an hour-long bike tour led by Ryan the Wheelbarrow of Wynwood Mural Tours. You’ll BYO bike and meet on the sidewalk just outside Panther Coffee (2390 NW 2nd Ave). The tour is free, though Ryan’s extensive knowledge of the neighborhood’s influential pieces as well as hidden gems warrants a nice tip.

Coconut Grove historic bicycle tour

There’s plenty of history to discover in Coconut Grove, Miami’s oldest community, and historian Frank Schena is just the person to tell you all about it. Join him and Royal Palm Tours of Miami on the first and third Saturday of the month (9:30am–noon) for a free bicycle tour of the area, which begins at City Hall (1500 Pan-American Dr) and includes stops at Trapp Avenue, Alice Wainwright Park and other areas of North Coconut Grove. Riders must pre-register to participate (bidoffice@grovebid.com, 305-461-5506).

Yoga in parks and on rooftops

Like the Instagram hashtag goes, in Miami, the forecast calls for #yogaeverydamnday—well, most days. The best part? It’s often outdoors and free. On Mondays and Wednesdays at 6pm, make your way to the Tina Hills Pavilion in Bayfront Park (301 Biscayne Blvd) for Yoga in the Park, popular among locals for the unique closing prayer you’ll remember long after you’ve left—something calming along the lines of “peace to your right, peace to your left.” Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm, Vinyasa-based classes are held at Peacock Park in Coconut Grove, and led by Dharma Studio instructors (2820 McFarlane Rd). For a two-a-day of Zen, start at the Mayfair Hotel rooftop (3000 Florida Ave, 305-461-5506) for an 8am class and follow it up with a 9am at Tina Hills. You can also show your Menin Hospitality room key at Mondrian South Beach for free yoga every Sunday by the water.

Art Deco District walking tour

There’s more to South Beach than clubs and beaches, like its historic Art Deco District, recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. There are approximately 800 structures with historical importance all along Collins Avenue and other neighboring streets. You may not immediately understand the significance of pastel facades, neon signage and sleek curves, so you’ll need to visit Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau for info before heading out from Ocean Drive and 5th Street.

From October through May, the façade of the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center doubles as a movie screen, while adjacent Soundscape Park, a 2.5-acre public space, serves as its alfresco theater. Popular titles like Back to the Future and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are scheduled to be projected on the 7,000-square-foot wall during the ongoing series’ 2015/16 season (special New World Symphony performances are also projected in the off season). All screenings are free (schedule available here) and begin promptly at 8pm, rain or shine, and patrons are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and refreshments.

Food Truck & Music Fest

It used to be that food trucks were a way to grab a bite on the go, but Food Truck & Music Fest (Wed 5pm), held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at North Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Ave), proves there’s more to the roving restaurants. The family-friendly event features a restaurant lineup of Miami’s best movable eats—Arepa Box, Gastropod, Ms. Cheezious, among others—and performances by local bands Kazoots and Bluejay. Even if you skip the grub, the sites, the live music and the sound of the ocean just steps away are free to enjoy. Just BYO chair and make a night out of it.